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Synthesis Writing

Week 3 / Session 2

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What is Synthesis?

Synthesis is when you read about a single topic from

multiple sources to form a more complete idea about
the topic.

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Why Synthesis?

• When we synthesis information from multiple sources, we gain a better

understanding of the topic including the various viewpoints about the issue.

• Important element of academic writing as it helps you to demonstrate

comprehension, analysis, and evaluation.

• You become a critical reader as you look at a variety of sources and get
informed about the different ideas on a topic.

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When synthesizing, make sure to use in-text citation to:

• Note down what each source mentions.

• Note down any agreements between the sources. (If there is any)
• Note down any disagreements between the sources. (If there is any)

PS: If there are no any agreement /disagreement

ideas between the sources, SS can only mention
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what the sources argue using the in-text citation.
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 Look for: Topic sentence /the causes and effect/the different in
text citation used/the style (i.e Block/point by point)/reporting
verbs/any similarity between the sources
Example:
There are many causes and effects of car accidents. Firstly, they are brought about by drivers
(Hamilton,2019). Being careless, drunk-driving, speeding, and abusing the laws are the best
examples. Secondly, vehicle conditions also lead to accidents. According to Thomas (2017),
some vehicles are too old, have technical defects, or are not regularly checked. Finally, the road
conditions might also be one of the causes. Both Hamilton (2019) and Thomas (2017) agree
that some accidents happen because of poor, curving, or slippery roads. Road accidents have
three negative effects. The most important effect is they contribute to death and injury.
Thomas (2017) asserts that car accidents have become one of the leading causes of death as
they have claimed many lives so far and injured tens of people everyday. Another result is a car
accident damages the personal and public properties. The damages do require repairing and
compensating (Hamilton,2019). In some cases, it costs a lot of money. Last but not least, it
wastes the time. Due to being involved at times with court cases or the police, drivers lose the
time to work. In conclusion, road accidents are caused by many factors, and they give rise to
many unwanted consequences.
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There are many causes and effects of car accidents. Firstly, they are brought about by drivers
(Hamilton,2019). Being careless, drunk-driving, speeding, and abusing the laws are the best
examples. Secondly, vehicle conditions also lead to accidents. According to Thomas (2017),
Some vehicles are too old, have technical defects, or are not regularly checked. Finally, the
road conditions might also be one of the causes. Both Hamilton (2019) and Thomas (2017)
agree that some accidents happen because of poor, curving, or slippery roads. Road accidents
have three negative effects. The most important effect is they contribute to death and injury.
Thomas (2017) asserts that car accidents have become one of the leading causes of death as
they have claimed many lives so far and injured tens of people everyday. Another result is a car
accident damages the personal and public properties. The damages do require repairing and
compensating (Hamilton,2019). In some cases, it costs a lot of money. Last but not least, it
wastes the time. Due to being involved at times with court cases or the police, drivers lose the
time to work. In conclusion, road accidents are caused by many factors, and they give rise to
many unwanted consequences.
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Remember to acknowledge where you took the information from by
using in-text citation (you must use these three ways):

1- According to Thomas (2019), ---------------------------- .

2- Thomas (2019) reports that ------------------------------------- .

3- -------------------------------------- (Thomas,2019).

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Popular reporting verbs to use in your summary writing:

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 RW Synthesis Assessment:

• You will read two different reading articles about the same topic.

• You need to summarise the main ideas of the readings.

• You must paraphrase the ideas.

• You need to write a cause & effect paragraph of about 300-350 words.

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Checklist for Synthesis:

1. Did I introduce the paragraph with a clear topic sentence (topic and controlling idea?
2. Did I discuss more than one source in the supporting sentences?
3. Did I paraphrase my ideas using (synonyms/word order/passive or change noun to verb)?
4. Did I discuss at least one similarity between the different sources?
5. Did I use the three in text citations in the supporting sentences?
6. Did I use the point by point or block method?
7. Did I use a variety of linking words?
8. Did I use vocabulary related to cause and effects?
9. Did I end the paragraph with a concluding sentence which rephrases the topic sentence?
10. Did I write between 300-350 words?
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 Task:
Complete the activity on “Internet Addiction”, then submit your worksheet into the
student portfolio.

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